Stands 8.75”

This object is an antique Chinese folk art temple or altar sculpture hand-carved from wood, most likely dating back to the Qing Dynasty (18th to 19th century).

Key Features of the Sculpture

• Material & Condition: It is hand-carved from a single block of wood and shows heavy weathering, characteristic cracking, and traces of its original polychrome paint or lacquer finish that has heavily flaked off due to age.

• Attire & Posture: The figure wears a traditional scholar or ritual official's cap (futou) and robes, often seated or mounted with a raised right arm (which may have once held a sword, brush, or ritual implement) and a vessel or tablet in hand.

• Reliquary Cavity: Many figures of this type feature a small hollowed compartment or cavity at the back (dorsal cavity) traditionally used for housing votive items, paper prayers, or small sacred objects.